Heartbreaking story of one family's journey with dementia

Book signing proves a success for author as she tells of her family’s journey with dementia in new book

The heartbreaking story of one family’s experiences with dementia took centre stage on Saturday as author J Shannell Evans held a book signing and talk to mark the book’s launch.

“I’m trying my very best not to be emotional,” said Shannell to her audience, as she went on to tell how dementia had affected her grandmother, her mother, her brother and her sister across the generations. Two of her aunts also experienced dementia. She added: “Writing this book, it was as if when I finished it, a weight lifted off me. I felt it was so important to write this story, and I hope it will help others.”

Readers queued up to buy the book and have it signed by the author during the event – with many also sharing their own experiences with family members who had dementia.

The author was joined by Wence Martin, of the Alzheimer’s Assocation, who said: “Alzheimer’s is the leading dementia diagnosis in The Bahamas - it is estimated that 2,000 Bahamians since 2023, and we know that is a very conservative estimate. When we look at the causes of dementia and whether it’s hereditary or whether there’s some genetic factors, we don’t know – and the experts haven’t proven that there is or that there isn’t a genetic link.”

He added: “The projection is by 2030, there will be 6,000 persons in The Bahamas – once again we think that is a conservative estimate – with dementia. I celebrate Mrs Evans in being able to pen a book and raise awareness.”

Expert Dr Krystle Rolle also spoke to attendees, giving advice on dealing with dementia. “To date, about 3% of men and women aged 65 and above would be diagnosed with dementia, and nearly half of persons living at age 85 and above will be diagnosed with dementia. Based on World Health Organisation standards in 2025, they estimate about 2.26% of deaths in our elderly population are due to dementia.”

She added: “Dementia is a broad umbrella of cognitive impairment. The most common in the world is Alzheimer’s disease, although in The Bahamas the most common is vascular dementia. Persons end up getting vascular dementia through blood compromise to the brain, through stress, hypertension, and diabetes. It involves progressive brain cell degeneration which eventually affects memory, thinking and behaviour.”

Experts gave advice on warning signs for people to watch for, and guidance on how they could be diagnosed and reach out to support networks.

“I do hope this book can make a difference to people,” said Shannell. “Writing it really reminded me of all that we have gone through as a family, things even I had forgotten, and I hope it is helpful to readers who might be going through the same thing.”

The Long Nightmare: My Family’s Journey With Dementia is available in paperback at Logos bookstore in Harbour Bay, and is also available as a paperback or an ebook on Amazon.

This is the latest book from Shannell after having previously published books in a range of genres – including poetry, drama, inspiration, mystery, children’s fiction, young adult fiction and non-fiction. She is also the CEO of Joan Shannell Evans Books Publishing. She now lives in Nassau, and is the chief financial officer at her home church, having worked in church ministry for 38 years.

To learn more, visit joanshannellevansbooks.com.